Wabash board approves setback variance to enlarge Hoefer garage at 429 Manchester Ave.

On July 16, 2026, the Wabash City Board of Zoning Appeals unanimously approved a variance permitting an expansion of the existing garage at 429 Manchester Avenue so it can function as a two-car garage.

Chair of the board introduced the petition from James and Deborah Hoefer, noting the applicants sought relief because the lot cannot meet the ordinance’s five-foot side-yard setback. Applicant James Hoefer told the board the new structure would be ‘‘2 foot off the east property line and will be on the south property line’’ and said the footprint will remain within his property. "I wanna put a 2 car garage up because, when the time comes, I won't be here when it happens," Hoefer said, adding the new garage will make the house easier to sell in the future.

Neighbors and board members inspected the site plan and photographs. Board members asked whether the proposed addition would encroach on adjacent property; Hoefer replied that the wall will be moved slightly and that in places the addition will be 6 to 8 inches inside his property. A nearby resident noted the existing structure dates to about 1900 and said demolition and rebuilding was an option the applicants preferred.

After brief discussion about property lines and neighborhood context, a board member moved to vote and the board approved the variance unanimously. Staff confirmed the board completed the required findings regarding congestion and property values before recording the approval.

The action clears the way for the applicant to proceed with construction subject to any applicable building permits and inspections.